Southampton Days Are Coming

One hundred and forty American flags can now be seen waving along Second Street Pike in Upper Southampton.

And, that can only mean one thing: Southampton Days are just around the corner.

“Every year we put them up two weeks prior to the event,” Patrick Miller, chair of the Southampton Days Committee, said. “We do it for the township to make it beautiful for everyone that attends.”

The 2013 Southampton Days marks its 42nd year, and will take place July 1 – 6, between Tamanend Park and Klinger Middle School.

Touted as a county fair, each day holds several events and entertainment. A schedule of events may be found on the official Southampton Days website.

Along with live musical acts (occurring twice on most nights), there are several featured events the public may look forward to.

Returning for a fourth consecutive year will be a Talent Show, taking place on July 3, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Miller said that the event has grown in popularity over the years.

New this year will be the “1st Annual Rolling Car Show,” which will be featured during the annual Fourth of July parade. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded. Deadline for registration in the car show is June 27.

“Every year, we try to do something different,” Miller said.

Those interested in registering for the Talent Show, Rolling Car Show or for other Southampton Days events, including the July 6 Lions 5k for Sight, may register via the Southampton Days website.

During the evening of July 4 will be the annual fireworks display. This year, the fireworks display will again take place behind Klinger Middle School, and there will be a general admission fee of $3 per person. There will be designated entrance areas for participants to purchase tickets.

According to Miller, the morning Fourth of July parade and evening fireworks display are a good indication of how popular Southampton Days has been throughout the years. He estimates approximately 15,000 line the two-mile parade route and between 5,000 and 8,000 people attend the fireworks display.

"The whole purpose of Southampton Days is to create an event for the whole area," Miller said. 

He added that this year, Southampton Days was voted as "Best Summer Event" and "Best Outdoor Event" by the Bucks Happening List for Everything Bucks.

A Dedicated Committee

Miller emphasizes that the Southampton Days are made possible through the volunteer efforts of the Southampton Days Committee. The committee is run by an eight-member board, and staffed by approximately 30 volunteers, who help to raise funds throughout the year for the weeklong event. All members of the committee are residents of the township.

According to Miller, the committee works toward furthering the original mission of Southampton Days, which continues to be supporting various nonprofit agencies of the township. Such agencies include, the Lions Club, Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, Southampton Business Association, Kiwanis. Throughout the event, the nonprofit organizations will sell food and refreshments. Miller said that the committee sees little to no profit from anything made during the event, and donates the majority of the proceeds to the other nonprofit organizations.

As so many people from outside the township attend the various Southampton Days events, Miller said that the committee relies on the participation and support of local municipalities, such as with police presence.

However, Miller said that in recent years some municipalities have enacted a service fee, which he said adds to the cost of running the event, which in large part, is free to the general public.

While Miller stresses that Southampton Days is a completely organized and run event by township residents, he also expresses major gratitude to Upper Southampton Township for its continued support.

“Our township does a great job by allowing the police department overtime and its Public Works to help out,” Miller said.

He also credits the local business community for its support. Each year, local businesses have an opportunity to advertise in the official Southampton Days booklet, which will be distributed throughout the event and available in local businesses and the Southampton Free Library, afterward.

Like Sam Constantini, the previous chair of the Southampton Days Committee, Miller said that residents, businesses and local communities continue their support, as he plans on being involved with the event for the rest of his life.

As a born-and-raised resident of Upper Southampton, Miller said that it has become a passion of his to ensure that Southampton Days will continue for generations to come.

“I want to keep this tradition,” Miller said. “It’s such an important community event.”

For more information, visit www.southamptondays.com.